Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ ~ Basic Information

• What is the Taglit-Birthright Israel: Canada Israel Experience Program?

  Thanks to Taglit-Birthright Israel, if you are Jewish and between the ages of 18 to 26 and you have never been on a peer educational Israel Experience program, this is your opportunity to visit Israel for free.
  
  Canada Israel Experience (CIE) is proud to be the largest and most experienced Taglit-Birthright Israel trip organizer in Canada. Since its first trip in February 2000, over 18,000 young adults have traveled with CIE.
  
  CIE is equally pleased to offer both National and Community-based programs, allowing participants the opportunity to tour Israel with their peers from their own home/university community. As a result, CIE participants will have the chance to meet, network, and build long-lasting relationships with other Canadian Jews residing in the same region and/or city.
  
  Why travelling with Taglit-Birthright Israel: CIE is all the rage: (a) CIE offers each participant a minimum of two Kosher, full-course meals a day. (b) CIE participants are provided with quality accommodations in three-to-four star hotels (c) Taglit-Birthright Israel: CIE tour educators possess the highest educational standards from some of the leading organizations in this field (d) CIE presents an increasingly intimate perspective of Israel by inviting 8-10 Israelis to meet and travel with each group for a portion of the trip.
  
  This unique Israel Experience program includes round trip travel from Toronto to Israel on EL AL and Air Canada, all accommodation, at least two kosher meals per day, transportation by private luxury tour bus, all entrances, basic medical insurance while in Israel, two Canadian madrichim (program leaders), an Israeli tour guide/educator, specialists and guest speakers, an armed medic and security guard, a Canadian and Israeli co-ordinator in Israel, communications equipment for the group and all taxes.
  
  Canada Israel Experience programs affirm and conform to the required standards and criteria set by Taglit-Birthright Israel International. Please visit the official Taglit-Birthright Israel International homepage for more about this historical partnership at www.birthrightisrael.com.
  
  Taglit-Birthright Israel is a unique, historic partnership between the people of Israel through their government, local Jewish communities (North American Jewish Federations; the Jewish Agency for Israel; and Keren Hayesod) and leading Jewish philanthropists..
  
  

• What is the Canada Israel Experience?

  Since 1996, CIE has proven to uphold a tradition of excellence in preserving the highest quality of educational, logistical, and safety standards. The welfare of our participants is of utmost concern, and in an ongoing effort to secure the safety of each participant; all CIE itineraries are planned in accordance with the security directives of the Israeli Ministry of Education, the Israeli Defense Forces and Police Command, and the Jewish Agency for Israel.
  
  It is Canada Israel Experience's goal to meet the needs of the Canadian Jewish community.  As the leading Israel tour organizer in Canada, our organization is committed to ensuring that all of our programs provide CIE participants with a unique, unparalleled Israel Experience. As a not-for-profit organization, CIE is funded by the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies, the education department of the Jewish Agency for Israel, Jewish Federations of Canada - UIA and local UJA / CJA Federations across Canada. CIE prides itself in playing an active role within the Jewish Federation system. In this regard, Canada Israel Experience is the only Canadian tour organizer that maintains a national network of local Israel Experience representatives. In every major Canadian Jewish community, CIE employs a regional Canada Israel Experience professional ready to facilitate and assist participants in preparing for their Israel Experience.
  
  In addition to helping orient individuals before their trip to Israel, CIE community representatives are also eager to help all interested Canada Israel Experience alumni obtain the necessary tools and knowledge needed to get involved in their home Jewish community and/or return to Israel.  Canada Israel Experience boasts that our organization is properly equipped to provide each participant with a more diverse picture of Israel. At least two Canadian staff, an Israeli tour guide, and the necessary security personnel accompany each Canada Israel Experience trip.  All Taglit-Birthright Israel: CIE programs are based on departure from Pearson International Airport in Toronto.

• Why would a total stranger want to finance my trip to Israel?

  We're not strangers. Taglit-Birthright Israel, a planned partnership of philanthropists, Jewish communities through their local Jewish UJA/CJA Federation and the Government of Israel, believes in the importance of promoting Jewish peoplehood and Jewish renaissance, and is committed to providing access to a first, peer-group program in Israel as a birthright of every Jew. This initiative is a gift from one generation to the next. The trip is a gift from Taglit-Birthright Israel.

• Is this a vacation / Will there be free time?

  Yes! This trip will be a lot of fun and we know that you will return to Canada refreshed and invigorated. In addition to the recreation, touring, and occasional free time, you will enjoy an engaging and vibrant educational program. Please be aware that the program is quite structured. In order to show the participants as much as possible, our days of touring will be long and on some evenings special events will be planned. Due to the program guidelines participants are not permitted any unauthorized absence from the group for any reason. Arrangements can be made for family members and friends to visit participants at their hotel in the evenings or on Shabbat during off-program times.  Participants are prohibited from leaving the group at any time without the supervision of a CIE staff, for any purpose including family visits, personal time, etc.

• Can I talk to a person for more information?

  Yes. Please visit our "Ask A Question" web page to obtain contact information for our national network of Israel Experience professionals as well as the CIE National Office staff.

FAQ ~ Participation and Eligibility

• How do I switch or cancel my trip?

  The participant must contact the CIE National Office directly to discuss any such changes.
  
  Please note that we will accept requests for changes to a participant’s Taglit-Birthright Israel:CIE trip and/or status from the participant ONLY. This decision has been made due to situations where miscommunication has occurred and unfortunately it has been the participants who have suffered the consequences. Changes include cancellations, trip switches, etc. ALL cancellations must be submitted in WRITING to ciec@ujafed.org.
  
  Applicants are welcome to contact us via our toll-free number: 1-800-567-4772 or by email at ciec@ujafed.org . We will be happy to accommodate any questions from a registered applicant, and we will do our utmost to assist the applicant in any way possible.

• Who else will be going on this trip?

  The program will be among the largest Israel Experience programs in Canadian Jewish history. Hundreds of Canadian Jews, between the ages of 18 to 26 years old, will participate. The majority will be university/college students, although Jewish young adults within the 18 to 26 year old age limits who are not in school are also encouraged to participate. The program will be an exciting opportunity to travel with old and new friends alike.
  
  Eligibility criteria for the program is as follows: You must be Jewish, between the ages of 18 - 26 years old and post-high school.  If you have been to Israel before but only with your family or on other personal business, you are still eligible. However, if you have been to Israel as part of a touring group, educational program, study program or an organized extended residential program since you were 12 years old, you are not eligible. If you participated on the March of the Living when you were in high school you are eligible to participate on one of our programs if you turn 22 years of age during the calendar year of travel on our program.
  
  You are eligible if you are at least 18 years old on the date of departure of the program and not yet 27 years old by May 1, 2012.  If you were born in Israel, or an Israeli Citizen, you are only eligible if you left Israel before the age of 12.  You will be required to provide documentation proving that you have lived in Canada since the age of 12 in order to be considered eligible. This can be in the form of a Landed Immigrant Visa or a dated entrance letter from the school you attended at the time. If you served in the Israeli Army or volunteered on an Israeli Army base, you are not eligible. Students in exclusively Jewish Studies programs in any institute of higher learning, including Jewish Teacher Training Programs, Jewish Studies Programs (not including Jewish Studies major or minor candidates at secular institutions), Rabbinical Programs, Yeshivot/Seminaries, Jewish Communal Service Programs and the like are not eligible for our programs while they are still in the study program.
  
  ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE AN INTERVIEW WITH THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITY'S ISRAEL EXPERIENCE REPRESENTATIVE.
  

• If I apply, am I automatically accepted into the program?

  With such a large demand for space in this program, we choose participants based primarily on a lottery system. In order to be entered into our lottery system, you must have a completed online application (including a paid $250US deposit plus $10US non-refundable handling fee) and submit a completed CIE Contract..
  
  While the majority of the spaces are allocated based on the aforementioned lottery system, a certain percentage of the allocated spaces are distributed on a discretionary basis. For example, an individual who is very close to the upper age limit (26 years of age) may be given priority over younger applicants who will have other opportunities to take advantage of this program.

• If the trip is free, why is a $250USD deposit required?

  The deposit serves a few purposes. During the application process it acts as one of a few measures designed to reflect the fact that an applicant is committed to the prospect of participating in the program. Once an applicant is accepted to the program it acts as a guarantee that he/she will not withdraw from the program, thereby forfeiting their spot and preventing another person from benefiting from the opportunity to go to Israel. Moreover, should a participant withdraw from the program after the noted cancellation deadlines per the CIE Contract Form, it provides the program organizers with revenue to pay the penalties that are incurred from the airlines and hotels for last minute cancellations. In Israel, it also serves as a guarantee that each individual will participate in all aspects of the program.
  
  All deposits are subject to a $10US non-refundable handling fee by Payoneer, Inc.

• Will my $250USD deposit be refunded?

  As part of your on-line application, your deposit can be paid by either Visa or Mastercard.   Approximately 2-4 days after your Birthright trip ends,  you will receive an e-mail from Taglit-Birthright Israel informing you that your deposit is available to be either refunded or donated, with instructions on how to make your choice.  Participants will be able to choose to donate all or a portion of their deposit.  If you choose a full refund, the money will be credited to your credit card used to pay the deposit. All deposits are subject to a $10 non-refundable handling fee by Payoneer, Inc.
  
  Participants will receive this option provided they successfully complete the Israel Experience program and have obliged by all of the terms and policies of Taglit-Birthright Israel: CIE, as noted in the CIE Contract Form.
  
  Note: If you are not assigned to a trip and have not requested we cancel your application and refund your deposit, your deposit will be returned through your credit card used to pay the deposit after the end of our round of trips (end of January or August).

• How will I receive my deposit refund?

  If you are not assigned to a trip and have not requested we cancel your application and refund your deposit, your deposit will be returned through your credit card used to pay the deposit after the end of our round of trips (end of January or August).  All deposits are subject to a $10 non-refundable handling fee by Payoneer, Inc.
  
  If you participate on a trip, approximately 2-4 days after your trip return you will receive an e-mail from Taglit-Birthright Israel informing you that your deposit is available to be either refunded or donated, with instructions on how to make your choice.  Participants will be able to choose to donate all or a portion of their deposit.  If you choose a full refund, this will go to your credit card used to pay the deposit.
  
  If you do not act on your deposit, you will be sent an e-mail within 14, 45 and 60 days of your trip return advising you to activate the refund link and act on your deposit by either requesting a refund or donation or both.  If, after 90 days, you have not activated the refund link, Taglit-Birthright Israel will deem the deposit as "forfeited" and it will not be returned to the participant. 

• What if I have already been to Israel?

  Though this initiative is primarily targeted to those who have never been to Israel, you will still be eligible if you have been to Israel before but only with your family or on other personal business. However, if you have been to Israel as part of a touring group, educational program, study program or an organized extended residential program since you were 12 years old, you are not eligible. If you participated on the March of the Living when you were in high school you are eligible to participate on one of our programs during the year you turn 22 years of age.  If you were born in Israel or are an Israeli citizen you are only eligible if you left Israel before the age of 12. If you have served in the Israeli Army or volunteered on an Israeli Army base, you are not eligible.  Contact the National office to discuss your specific circumstances at 1-800-567-4772/416-398-6931.
  

   

• What if I don't have a passport?

  All program participants must have a valid passport one month prior to departure in order to participate in any Taglit-Birthright Israel: CIE program. A valid passport is one that expires a minimum of six months after your return date (i.e. if you return on July 11, 2012, your passport must be valid until at least January 11, 2013). If you do not already have a valid passport you should apply for a passport as soon as possible.  As part of your application process, you are required to provide a photocopy of your valid passport number as well as expiration date and country of issue.  If your passport has been issued from countries OTHER than Canada, United States, Great Britain or Israel, please contact the CIE National office for details regarding obtaining a visa to Israel. If you are unsure whether you require a visa, contact us as soon as possible for further information.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: if you do not hold a valid passport prior to your departure, you will not be permitted to join the CIE program.
  

   

• Can students who do not qualify pay to go on the Taglit-Birthright Israel: CIE program?

  The itinerary is geared toward those on their first organized visit to Israel and would not be appropriate for those on a repeat trip. For this Israel Experience, we only have sufficient seats reserved for qualifying applicants.

• Can I travel with my friends from another community?

  CIE will accept requests to travel with friends on the same trip.  This can be done on your account during Step Two, but we cannot guarantee all requests will be accommodated.  Participants from communities that travel to Israel during the same week will likely meet each other numerous times during their program. Participants from communities who travel during alternate weeks or trip dates will not see each other during their Israel Experience. 

FAQ ~ Travel and Logistical Arrangements

• Can I go early?

  No.  All Taglit-Birthright Israel: CIE participants must depart with their trip group from Pearson International Airport in Toronto. 

• Can I extend my stay?

  All Taglit-Birthright Israel participants leaving on Canadian departures have the option of extending their ticket to remain in Israel beyond the program for a fee.  Only those who have been assigned to a trip will be able to make a request for a flight extension.  Please realize that extensions are not guaranteed and every airline has their own restrictions. You may have to be flexible with your dates as the airlines are very busy; this is why we urge participants to make the extension in advance of their trip departure.
  
  We encourage you to take advantage of being in Israel and to extend your stay after the program.  Please note that once the Taglit-Birthright Israel program has concluded you will no longer be under our supervision or the responsibility of Taglit-Birthright Israel.  All returned flights must be direct from Tel Aviv; stopovers and connecting flights are not permitted on your Taglit-Birthright Israel ticket. 
  
  Please make note of which airline your trip will travel with; this information can be found at www.cieregistration.com under "Bus Info".  Follow the instructions below for the specific airline.
  
  AIR CANADA:
  
  Please complete the Request for Extension Form and e-mail it directly to Air Canada (edesk@aircanada.ca).  To extend your stay prior to departure, the fee set by the airline will be charged and the airline will require credit card information to confirm via e-mail.  
  
  Please remember that our agents at Air Canada are stationed in Tel Aviv, Israel and are 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Their general hours of operation are Sunday to Thursday 9:00 am – 5 pm (Israel time). Air Canada agents in Canada will not be able to assist you with a flight extension. Please allow for a minimum of 2-3 business days for a response to your email.  Sending additional e-mails only delays the agents further.
  
  Air Canada tickets permit Taglit-Birthright Israel participants to stay in Israel for a maximum of 90 days beyond your departure date from Toronto. Please note that every effort will be made to confirm one of your requested dates or the date nearest to it. If none of your requested dates are available, you will be informed by the Air Canada agent of your further options.
  
  Taglit-Birthright Israel airline tickets are a certain class of seating.  Air Canada may not have available seating on the date you wish to return.  In this case you will either have to settle for a different date and flight or, if offered by AIr Canada, choose to pay a higher fee for a different class of service.  Please note that Class of Service refers to fare and not seat availability. To extend your stay prior to departure, the fee is $250US only if the Class Code/Fare (not the seat availability) of your ticket is available on the date Air Canada can confirm you on.  If the Class Code/Fare (not the seat availability) is not available you will be given the option to pay a difference to the next available fare on the date which is available.
  
  Once your extension has been confirmed you will be asked for a credit card number/expiry date.  Your credit card will be debited once the actual flight tickets are being issued to CIE (and not upon confirming the date).  Should you need to change your date, once it has been confirmed by the airline (even prior to debiting your credit card) you will be subject to the additional change of date fee ($250US) for each requested change.  Your extension will appear on the e-ticket supplied by CIE at the airport on departure.
  
  You also have the option of waiting to extend your ticket once you are in Israel.  A change fee by the airline will still apply.  Should you need to be home on a certain date the availability may not be there.  If you know you have to be back on a certain date, it is highly recommended that you make the extension prior to departure of the trip from Canada.  Once in Israel you must call the airline NO LESS than 3 business days before the original return date; you will not be able to change the ticket at the airport on the day of your group's return.  
  
  Once in Israel you may call the Air Canada office in Tel Aviv at 03-607-2111 for a return date change.  Air Canada will require the booking reference number on the e-ticket you receive on departure from Toronto. The airline will take your credit card information over the phone and charge $250US.
  
  If you have a confirmed extension and change your mind and decide not to extend your stay once in Israel, a seat with your group may not be available. Your new booking will be subject to availability and may not be confirmed automatically.  This will also be subject to a change fee of $250US.
  
  Please note that Canada Israel Experience is not responsible for fees forfeitted if you need to change or cancel your extension request with Air Canada.
  
  Extending your ticket will only be possible once you have been assigned on a specific flight. 
  
  EL AL:
  
  Extension requests for El Al Israel Airlines prior to departure are handled through Gil Travel.  You can request an extension by going to:http://www.giltravel.com/taglit-birthright-welcome.htm.  Please read the Gil Travel FAQ section as well as their policies on providing extensions to Taglit-Birthright Israel participants.
  
  Extension requests prior to departure are made through their website ONLY and NOT by telephone.
  
  El Al Israel Airline's ticket is good for a maximum stay of 90 days.  All tickets become null and void after that time.
  
  To extend your stay prior to departure, the fee varies according to availability of seats for the particular day you select. The fee prior to departure will be a minimum of $90US in the same class of service; otherwise the cost may be higher due to limitation of seats.
  
  You can extend your ticket when you are in Israel directly through El Al.  The fee is a minimum of $50US plus the change fee subject to the same class of service.  Change fee can vary subject to the fee plus difference in published air fares; all seats are subject to availability.  Should you need to be home on a certain date the seat availability may not be there.  If you know you have to be back on a certain date, it is highly recommended that you make the extension prior to departure from Canada.
  

  
  The local telephone number in Israel for El Al airlines is 03-977-1111, 24 hours a day.  El Al will require the booking reference number on the e-ticket you receive on departure from Toronto.  Changes must be done prior to the return date of the ticket.  Note that once in Israel, the number of extensions is limited per group.
  
  Please note that Canada Israel Experience is not responsible for fees forfeited if you need to change or cancel your extension request with El Al.
  
  Extending your ticket will only be possible once you have been assigned on a specific flight.  
  
  

• Are there any hidden costs on this program?

  No, there are no hidden costs on the program. The only expenses that will be incurred by the program participants are supplementary Canadian travel insurance (this is mandatory for all participants who have a confirmed departure date), the cost of getting to and from your home to and from Pearson International Airport in Toronto, and spending money. It is our recommendation that you bring approximately CDN $400 for your 10-day visit. Credit cards are widely accepted in stores and restaurants. We do not recommend bringing a debit card as your only source of cash flow. It is often difficult to get to an ATM since the route does not cover major urban centres. If you have State of Israel Bonds that you would like to cash, we recommend that you do so in Canada, as you will not have sufficient time to do so in Israel.
  
  Meals:
  Each day on your trip you will receive a light meal or snack, except on Saturday. If this meal needs to be purchased, you will receive a small stipend (amount subject to change). The only other cost that we will ask you to cover (aside from souvenirs) will be the cost of one meal per day. While this meal will most often be lunch, you may be asked to purchase dinner on some days. Should you follow the above guideline of CDN $400, you will have enough money for meals and souvenirs.

• What if I get sick in Israel?

  The Canada Israel Experience is committed to the emotional and physical well-being of all participants on all programs it operates. As part of the program, Canada Israel Experience will provide Israeli-based emergency medical insurance for the duration of the program in Israel. This insurance covers emergency conditions in Israel. It will not cover medical expenses resulting from a pre-existing condition, injuries that occur while a participant is under the influence of alcohol or any illegal drug(s), and/or any follow-up treatment or expenses required after the conclusion of the program in Israel. It is mandatory that every Canada Israel Experience participant purchase their own travel/medical insurance for the duration of the program in Israel. Insurance varies in price; please contact your insurance company or your credit card company for their coverage and reimbursement policies. Participants who are covered by a family member's travel/medical insurance policy must provide the Canada Israel Experience with the policy number as well as details as to the extent of the coverage.
  
  PLEASE NOTE:  Provincial health coverage (i.e. OHIP) will not be accepted as travel insurance.
  
  The Canada Israel Experience Israeli-based medical coverage will provide the following levels of treatment in the event of illness or injury: Basic first aid is administered by a medic accompanying the group, such as dispensing band-aids, medicine for headaches, etc. Their role is similar to that of a camp nurse. Should the medic and the program's staff decide that a doctor needs to be consulted, the participant will be seen during pre-arranged doctor's hours. These doctors maintain a supply of common medications and, when necessary, prescribe additional medication. Moreover, when necessary, they will refer participants to a specialist. Should urgent medical care be required, participants will immediately be taken to an authorized clinic or to a hospital emergency room. Participants will be accompanied by a staff member on any visit to doctors, clinics or hospitals.

• Is security a concern?

  The safety and security of participants is our primary concern. An orientation for issues specific to travel in Israel will be given to all participants prior to departure and upon arrival in Israel.
  
  Precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of all participants and minimize safety risks. The itinerary of each group is coordinated with the appropriate Israeli security authorities. Very experienced travel guides, well versed in maintaining security, lead these trips and each bus will be in ongoing contact with our Israeli and Canadian program coordinators in Israel.
  
  Please review our approach to safety and security by clicking here.

• What if I am unable to go at the last minute?

  If your plans change after you receive your acceptance to the program, we will do our best to find a replacement.  However, the $250US deposit, as well as the $10US handling fee, is non-refundable should you withdraw after the Cancellation Deadline as noted in the CIE Contract, regardless of whether we are able to find a replacement.  This will provide CIE with revenue to pay the penalties that are incurred from the airlines and hotels for last minute cancellations and replacements.

FAQ ~ The Program

• What will accommodations and meals be like on the program?

  Accommodations on all Taglit-Birthright Israel: Canada Israel Experience programs are based on triple occupancy in 3-4 star hotels, youth hostels and kibbutz guest houses. Linen service will be provided by the accommodations and participants are advised to bring towels from home.
  
  A minimum of two kosher meals will be provided each day while in Israel. The meals will range from buffet breakfasts, to falafel, to North American style fast-food, to boxed lunches, to sit-down dinners. Provided that a participant specifies that they require vegetarian food on their on-line application form, a vegetarian option will always be made available. Participants with specific dietary needs and/or allergies (i.e. vegetarian, lactose, peanuts, celiac, etc) must contact the National office of Canada Israel Experience in advance in order to ensure that they can be accommodated.
  

  While we will do our utmost to accommodate specific food allergies, please be aware that Israel does not have the same level of allergy awareness as is common in North America, and we can not guarantee that your allergy can be completely accomodated.  Our participants are responsible for carefully choosing their food on the trip and avoiding foods to which they are allergic.
   

• Who will staff the Israel Experience Program?

  One of the objectives of the Taglit-Birthright Israel program is for participants to become acquainted with a variety of leaders in the various Canadian Jewish communities. To this end, the program will be staffed by local Jewish Campus Services/Hillel professionals, university faculty/officials, Israel Experience professionals, other Jewish community professionals and volunteer Israel Experience staff. Program leaders will participate in an intensive training seminar in order to ensure the highest quality Israel Experience program.

• Will this be a "religious" trip?

  All Jews, regardless of background, affiliation or practice, are welcome on the program. The program will provide opportunities for participants to celebrate Jewish life together. It is designed to be completely inclusive. No participant will be forced to join in any organized religious activities. At the same time, kosher food will be served at all tour-sponsored activities and all programming will respect the laws of the Jewish Sabbath.
  

• Will I have to commit to anything when I get back?

  Taglit-Birthright Israel is a trip with no strings attached - there are no obligations or requirements involved in participating. However, we do hope that this experience will inspire you to get involved in your Jewish community upon your return. Israel Experience professionals across the country are ready and willing to assist you in connecting to your local community through a variety of different events, programs and activities. How you choose to involve yourself is entirely up to you - we just provide the resources and opportunities for you to do so.

• Will there be time on the program to visit my friends and relatives in Israel?

  Although there will be no free days on this program, there will be certain evenings that are designated as supervised structured free time. Should free time be granted to the group, the location and time will be at the sole discretion of the CIE Israel staff. Participants will receive their specific itinerary in the weeks prior to departure. The Canada Israel Experience requests that once you have reviewed your itinerary, you notify your family and/or friends in Israel and let them know that they can visit you on your free evenings. All family/friend meetings must first be approved by your trip staff. The itinerary will include the names and addresses of your accommodations in order to facilitate such visits.

• What if I don't speak Hebrew?

  Don't worry -- most people participating on this Israel Experience program do not speak Hebrew. The majority of Israelis speak English, so you will be able to get by in any situation. The local Israel staff is fluent in English, and you will never feel alienated due to language.